The United Steelworkers (USW) today condemned remarks made by oil industry trade associations in the aftermath of the Tesoro refinery explosion and fire April 2 in Anacortes, Wash., that killed five and severely injured two others.  

"It is obvious that this industry still has not learned from other refinery disasters and near-misses," said USW Vice President Gary Beevers, who is in charge of the union's oil sector. "They are more concerned with their image than taking appropriate action on safety."

In weekend newspaper reports, American Petroleum Institute (API) officials said the industry isn't getting the credit it deserves when it comes to health and safety. They cite OSHA injury and illness rates for the sector that have dropped in the last decade. National Petrochemical & Refiners Association officials also brag that the industry has a lower injury rate than the U.S. manufacturing sector as a whole.

"It's incredible this industry brags about its safety record just after five more people were killed in a refinery explosion," said USW President Leo W. Gerard. Click here for more.